Vitronectin is a multifunctional glycoprotein present in blood and in the extracellular matrix. It binds glycosaminoglycans, collagen, plasminogen and the urokinase-receptor, and also stabilizes the inhibitory conformation of plasminogen activation inhibitor-1. Vitronectin may play an important role in wound healing and in tumorprogression. Vitronectin deposition has been detected in areas of brosis and necrosis in a variety of diseases, including membranous nephropathy, arteriosclerosis and degenerative central nervous system disorders.
